The Pakistan Navy is poised to achieve a significant milestone with the imminent launch of its first indigenously designed and constructed frigate. This development marks a substantial advancement in the country’s efforts to modernize its naval capabilities and attain self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf, the Chief of Naval Staff, has announced that the launch of the 3,500-4,000 tonne warship is on the horizon, which will enhance the Pakistan Navy’s fleet with a versatile, multi-role vessel designed for contemporary maritime operations. The Navy plans to construct a total of eight Jinnah-class frigates.

The advanced Jinnah-class frigate will feature state-of-the-art sensors, sophisticated weaponry, and the indigenous SMASH supersonic missile system, underscoring Pakistan’s expanding capabilities in naval defense technology. This ship is anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defense, especially in the strategically important waters of South Asia.

Engineered for a variety of combat operations, the Jinnah-class frigate will be capable of anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and air defense missions. Its development benefits from the expertise gained through Pakistan’s collaboration with Türkiye under the MILGEM program, which has significantly improved the technical skills of Pakistani engineers in warship design and construction. This transfer of knowledge has been instrumental in advancing Pakistan’s journey toward achieving self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.

A notable aspect of the Jinnah-class frigate program is the incorporation of the SMASH supersonic missile system, an advanced weapon developed domestically to effectively target both naval and land-based objectives with remarkable accuracy.

With the ability to exceed speeds of Mach 2.5 and engage targets at distances of up to 350 kilometers, the SMASH missile significantly bolsters Pakistan’s deterrent capabilities against maritime threats. Its Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) feature is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for exceptional targeting precision, even against well-fortified and heavily defended installations, making it a transformative asset in combat scenarios.

In addition to the SMASH system, the Jinnah-class frigate will be equipped with a state-of-the-art Vertical Launch System (VLS), which can launch a diverse range of surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, thereby greatly enhancing its offensive capabilities and defensive strength during critical naval operations.

The frigate will also incorporate modern naval artillery systems aimed at neutralizing threats from enemy missiles and drones. Additionally, it will be outfitted with sophisticated sonar systems and torpedo launchers, ensuring strong anti-submarine warfare capabilities and the ability to engage multiple types of threats effectively.

In November of the previous year, Pakistan successfully executed a test launch of its newest anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM), designated SMASH. While comprehensive details regarding the missile test are scarce, official communications indicate that the missile features sophisticated navigation systems and enhanced maneuverability.

The missile was launched from a Zulfiquar-class (F-22P) frigate, showcasing its compatibility with Pakistan’s current naval assets.

With a striking range of 350 kilometers, the SMASH Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM), also referred to as P282, significantly enhances the strike capabilities and defensive strength of the Pakistan Navy, particularly in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) scenarios.

Incorporating state-of-the-art navigation technology, the missile can adjust its flight path and speed during its trajectory, rendering it a challenging target for conventional enemy air defense systems. Its introduction represents a pivotal shift in strategy, bolstering Pakistan’s maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean and acting as a robust deterrent against regional threats.

The SMASH ASBM shares similar characteristics with China’s CM-401 anti-ship ballistic missile, enabling it to execute precise strikes on both large warships and medium-sized naval vessels, thereby reinforcing its position as a critical force multiplier within Pakistan’s naval capabilities.

The close defense collaboration between Pakistan and China in the development of advanced military technologies highlights the strategic alliance between the two nations.

China’s arms exports to Pakistan play a vital role in Beijing’s foreign policy, allowing Islamabad to bolster its military capabilities with advanced technologies. This collaboration enables Pakistan to obtain sophisticated, high-speed, precision-guided weapon systems that would be difficult to secure independently without the support of a major ally like China.

Jinnah-Class Frigate (Pakistan) – Technical Specifications Overview

The Jinnah-class frigate signifies a new era of warships currently being developed for the Pakistan Navy, as part of the nation’s initiative to strengthen its surface fleet. Featuring advanced stealth capabilities and cutting-edge combat technologies, this frigate is set to be a key asset in Pakistan’s maritime defense strategy.

General Specifications (Estimated):

– Length: Approximately 140–150 meters
– Displacement: Over 4,000 tons (estimated)
– Maximum Speed: Exceeding 28 knots
– Operational Range: 6,000 nautical miles at economical cruising speed
– Crew Complement: Approximately 150–200 personnel

Armament:

– Missile Systems: Fitted with anti-ship missiles and medium-range surface-to-air missiles for air defense
– Main Gun: 76mm or 127mm naval gun
– CIWS: Close-In Weapon System for defense against incoming threats
– Torpedo Launchers: Designed for anti-submarine warfare operations

Sensors and Electronic Systems:

– Multi-function AESA radar
– Hull-mounted sonar and towed array sonar for underwater detection
– Advanced electronic warfare (EW) systems

Enhanced Capabilities:

– Designed to operate maritime helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
– Modular architecture to accommodate diverse mission requirements
– Stealth features to reduce radar and infrared visibility

The Jinnah-class frigate is under development with substantial input from Pakistan’s local defense sector, especially Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW), in collaboration with international technology partners. Upon its commissioning, the frigate is anticipated to play a pivotal role in the Pakistan Navy’s surface fleet over the next ten years.